The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803; explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands and their peoples, their history and records of the Catholic missions, as related in contemporaneous books and manuscripts, showing the political, economic, commericial and religious conditions of those islands from their earliest relations with European nations to the beginning of the nineteenth century; [Vol. 1, no. 13]

I604-I605]

ACUNA TO FELIPE III

233

perity necessary to Christendom. Manila, July I5,
I604.
DON PEDRO DE ACUNA
[In the margin: "Let it be answered that his
letter is received, and have him thanked for his zealous interest and care in all that he mentions. Respecting what he says of abolishing the Audiencia,
suitable measures have been taken, and for the present nothing will be done in regard to it. As to the
general statements made in his report, in regard to
the trade and traffic which he speaks of and the proceedings of the Audiencia, let him give particular
information of what auditor or officer is trading in
this way, and whatever is worthy of correction - so
that, having considered it in the Council, fitting
measures may be taken."]
[Endorsed: "Manila, to his Majesty; I604.
Don Pedro de Acuna, on the fifteenth of July, concerning the inexpediency of having an Audiencia
in the Philipinas. July 20, I606, examined and decreed within."]
Reasons why there should be no Audiencia in the
Filipinas Islands, and why the one there should be
abolished.
In all the islands there are not more than twelve
hundred Spaniards; and the suits are so few that for
the greater part of the year the Audiencia has nothing to do, and there is no business to be despatched
therein, and the auditors are dismissed after having
passed judgment on a few petitions from Indiansand sometimes not even these, because none are presented. The administrative session is just the same,
and most of the time only exists in name.